Video: Understanding path structure

In the previous movie, I created a new folder called testimonials, and two new files that went within that folder. So far, that new folder and its files are completely unconnected to the rest of my site. I can move them around, or delete them without affecting my other pages. But what happens when I want to manage some of the other files that are already linked to other pages? Inside my assets folder, you can see that there are a couple of sub-files, and folders where I've organized different types of images and other media files that I've used throughout the site. I have this folder labeled "images" here, which itself is divided into more sub-folders, and files and these are all just images that I've used throughout my site.

In Dreamweaver CS3 Essential Training, instructor Garrick Chow delves into the many powerful features of the latest version of this powerful web design application. He covers everything from the simplest basics of using Dreamweaver CS3 to applying it to develop a fully interactive, accessible site. Garrick explains the new interface features, and demonstrates how to create, edit, manage, design, and publish a professional website with Dreamweaver CS3 and complementary applications. Exercise files accompany the training.

Understanding path structure

In the previous movie, I created a new folder called testimonials, and two new files that went within that folder.So far, that new folder and its files are completely unconnected to the rest of my site.I can move them around, or delete them without affecting my other pages. But what happens when I want to manage some of the other files that are already linked to other pages?Inside my assets folder, you can see that there are a couple of sub-files, and folders where I've organized different typesof images and other media files that I've used throughout the site. I have this folder labeled "images" here,which itself is divided into more sub-folders, and files and these are all just images that I've used throughout my site.

Let me expand this out a little bit. In this main assets folder, I also have this file called brewing_300k.flv.This is a {italic}Flash{plain} video file that I use on the page that shows you how to brew tea. In fact, if I open up the Brewing Tea page, so here on this page this is the {italic}Flash{plain} file right here and when I select it,I can see right here in the Properties Inspector that this video is located in the assets folder.It says assets/brewing_300k.flv. So, that's in this folder and the File is called brewing_300k.flv.

When you put an element on a web page whether it's an image, video clip, audio clip, or {italic}Flash{plain} animation,what you're really doing is creating a reference to the actual file itself.You're not embedding the file itself into the page you're making it part of the page.All you're doing is making {italic}Dreamweaver{plain} overwrite some codes so, the browser knows where to look for the file that'ssupposed to go here when this page is displayed. Let me close this page for a moment.Now, let's say that I don't like this {italic}Flash{plain} file sitting here by itself in the assets folder.I want to be a little more organized, and create a folder to hold all of my {italic}Flash{plain} animations, and videos.

That way if I add more than just this one later, I'll have a place to put them and they all just won't be sitting herescattered in the main assets folder. I'm going to right-click on assets, and choose New Folder,and I'll create a new folder called "flash", which is now located inside the assets folder.What I want to do is move that {italic}Flash{plain} Video into that flash folder. {italic}Dreamweaver{plain} says "hold on a second,this video is being used on the page, 'brewingtea.html'". {italic}Dreamweaver{plain} knows exactly where this video is being used.It's telling me that I need to update the links on that brewingtea.html page in order to have this videoplay properly. I'm going to make sure I click Update, and that's all I have to do.

Now if I open up the Brewing Tea page, and I select that {italic}Flash{plain} file again, notice down in the Properties Inspectorit says assets/flash/brewing_300k.flv. So, {italic}Dreamweaver{plain} automatically fixed the path name so I would not end upwith a broken link. If this still said assets/brewing I would end up with a missing video.In fact if I go to preview this in my browser right now, notice that nothing appears here.

Let's go back and fix that, /flash/brewing. Save that and let's take a look again. Now my video plays.That's a little bit on the importance of path structures, and another good example of why it's important to do all of yourfile management within {italic}Dreamweaver{plain}. So, please do yourself a favor and conduct all of your file,and folder management from here in the Files panel.

Learn by watching, listening, and doing, Exercise files are the same files the author uses in the course, so you can download them and follow along Premium memberships include access to all exercise files in the library.

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Learn by watching, listening, and doing! Exercise files are the same files the author uses in the course, so you can download them and follow along. Exercise files are available with all Premium memberships.
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